Three New Probable Cases and Four New Confirmed Cases of H1N1 Flu Reported Today

Lincoln– Three new probable cases and four confirmed cases of H1N1 (swine-origin) influenza have been reported in Nebraska, according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. That brings the totals to three probable cases pending confirmation at the Nebraska Public Health Laboratory and 16 confirmed Nebraska-resident cases.

Two additional confirmed cases that were diagnosed within Nebraska’s borders were residents of other states—California and Missouri. California and Missouri will report these two.

Advice

For any flu-like illness:

People who are sick should stay home from work or school to avoid spreading the virus.

Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or otherwise appear ill.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.

Wash hands frequently.

If you are moderately to severely ill with a cough, sore throat, fever and body aches (and perhaps vomiting and diarrhea), call your physician. First call the physician’s office and tell staff what symptoms you are experiencing. The physician may want to see you separately from other patients so that you don’t expose them in the waiting room. Your doctor can prescribe an antiviral for you, which will ease your symptoms and possibly shorten the duration of your illness.